FAQ

1. ​​Considering Certification​​​​

I'm not an environmental educator or a teacher. Is this course something I should still consider?

If you are interested in environmental education, you will find value in this course. Past participants have included many people besides teachers and nonformal educators, including doctors, Judge/Executives, college students, retirees, and industry professionals. This course will give you the background and skills necessary to educate others on the environment even if you do not have experience in education.

Will I be graded on my Self-Assessment?

No, you will not be graded on your self-assessment. The self-assessment is designed to help you understand your current skills and knowledge so that you can focus your efforts on growth areas.

How much time should I budget for coursework outside of the workshop weekends?

Average work time outside of class is estimated to be between 30-60 hours.

If I complete the course, will I also become certified in Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD? Will I be able to teach other people to use these projects?​

If you complete the Professional Environmental Educator Certification (PEEC) course, you will be certified as an educator in all three curriculum projects. In order to teach other people to use the projects, you will need to become certified as a facilitator in each project, which requires additional training.

How can I get extra training to become a facilitator for PLT, Project WET, and/or Project WILD?​

To get extra training to become a facilitator in any project, contact Ashley Hoffman, Director of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education, kaee.org.

​2. Applying for the Course ​​

When will I be notified of my acceptance into the course?

You will be notified of your acceptance 1-2 weeks after the KEEC receives your completed application and course admission fee.

What happens to my check if my application is not accepted?

If your application is not accepted, your check will be returned to you.

I already have a copy of one or more Project curriculum books used in the course (WET, WILD, PLT). Do I have to get a new one?

If you do not have the current version of the curriculum book, you will need to purchase it:

​The current version of Project WET was published in 2011.

The current version of Project WILD was published in 2011.

The current version of Project Learning Tree was published in 2008.

Why can't I just order my own Project curriculum book?

Project rules require individuals to be certified in order to receive the curriculum book.

How much do the Project Curriculum books cost?

Each book costs $25, which is payable to KEEC after we order the book for you.

​3. Attending the Workshops

​What happens if I miss a workshop?

There is so much information packed into these workshops, that we encourage you not to miss any time at all. The first workshop is especially important because you will meet and begin networking with others in the course, and you will complete many of the activities that allow us to certify you in Project Learning Tree (PLT), Project WET, and Project WILD. If you miss the first workshop, we cannot offer you certification in any of the projects.

You may miss one workshop, but this should be only for a family or medical emergency. If you need to miss a workshop, you must contact KEEC as soon as possible at 502-564-5937 and wesley.bullock@ky.gov. She will assign work to make up for the absence. If you miss a second workshop, you will be invited to complete the course the next time it is offered. If you do complete the course the next time it is offered, you will be required to pay the difference in the course admission fee if it has increased.

What kind of make-up work can I expect if I need to miss time at a workshop?​

Makeup work will consist of individual written assignments and projects that are designed to take approximately as much time as was missed in class.

What supplies should I bring to the workshops?

You do not need to bring any supplies, unless you have a favorite pen or notebook. KEEC will provide a course notebook with agendas, readings, activities, and notepaper. Pens and supplies for activities will be available for each workshop.

Please do not bring laptops or tablet computers. Activities are designed to be interactive and require the input of all course participants. Computers tend to distract from this interaction.

​What should I wear to the workshops?

Dress in layers, with shoes appropriate for walking in the woods. In each workshop, several activities will be held outdoors, possibly in inclement winter weather.​ Attire should be casual, but professional.

4. After Certification​​

Will I receive any kind of certificate showing I completed the certification course?

All course graduates receive a framed certificate showing that they have been designated a "Certified Professional Environmental Educator."

How many hours of Continuing Education do I need every year?

You do not need to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education. Instead, you are required to complete three different ​​methods of continuing education each year in order to renew your certification.